Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Leading the Charge
The familiar roar of gas-powered leaf blowers has become a divisive soundtrack in American neighborhoods. In January 2024, the State of California banned the sale of new small off-road engine-powered garden equipment (SORE), including leaf blowers, and Irvine has implemented noise restrictions and time limitations on leaf blower use. The movement isn’t stopping at California’s borders either.
North Bay Village banned gas-powered leaf blowers starting September 1, 2024, and Montgomery County banned sales of gas-powered equipment since July 1, 2024, with a complete prohibition on their use beginning January 1, 2025. Portland City Council voted in March 2024 to phase out the use of all gas-powered leaf blowers by 2028. The fines are no joke – violations carry a $500 fine in Montgomery County and similar penalties elsewhere.
Behind this regulatory wave lies a stark reality about pollution. According to the California Air Resources Board, operating a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Denver. With some 11 million gas-powered leaf blowers in operation in the United States, that’s a lot of noise and a lot of pollution.
Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers Following Close Behind
Your trusty gas-powered mower might be next on the chopping block. California’s ban includes lawn mowers, and the legislation took effect January 1, 2024, covering gas-powered lawn mowers manufactured after December 31, 2023. The financial impact on professionals is significant – a new electric commercial riding lawn mower could cost between $30,000 to $40,000…